Submitted by Cindy Taylor-Matuse
James Wise Taylor was born October 5, 1835 in Vermillion County to Elijah and Mary Malona Taylor. On August 11, 1862 he enlisted in Company D of the 85th Regiment Infantry. He was engaged in many battles, and was in Sherman's March to the Sea from Georgia through the Carolinas. He was promoted to Full Sergeant, and was mustered out on June 12, 1865. He married Rosella Whalen on August 8, 1866 in Edgar County, Illinois, where they resided for most of their lives. They were the parents of Ada P., George C., and Gertrude Mae "Gertie". He retired as a farmer before 1900. He died February 11, 1920. He is buried in Edgar Cemetery with his wife, whom died September 3, 1931.